ALS signed “MR,” four pages, lightly-lined on two adjoining sheets, 7.75 x 12.25, March 21, 1862. A confederate soldier’s description of a reconnaissance and skirmish which took place at Cumberland Gap on March 21, 1863. In part: "A few days ago Majr. Genl. E. Kirby Smith who commands this division made his appearance at this place. And the morning of the 19th inst. marched down the mountain in the direction of Fincastle in Big Creek Gap about 30 miles below here at which place he intended to form a Junction with forces under Ledbetter which he had sent out from Knoxville for the purpose cutting off some Yankees who have crossed the mountain there. He took with him the 29th N. C., 5th Ga., 9th Miss. Regs., our Batt. Zinsers & LaTrobes Batteries, but the Yankees hearing of our approach from both directions fled back into Kentucky…On yesterday morning 22nd inst. at 7 1/2 o'clock we were suddenly called to our breastworks and on arriving found that our picketts had been driven in and that the enemy was actually approaching in considerable numbers. About this time a skirmish firing began which was kept up all day…No injury to our fortifications. Only 3 killed 8 or ten wounded…Mr. Mosely was wounded in the right hand…This was done by a conicle shell that penetrated our breastworks, burst, & drove some missiles through which struck sparks on the opposite side.” In very good condition, with intersecting folds (some with edge separations), a few tears to bottom edge, soiling to last page, and various unrelated mathematical notations following the text. RR Auction COA.
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